Making a Will

A will is a legally-binding document that identifies who should inherit your property or care for your minor children should you die. If you are at least 18 years old and ready to make a will, you may have questions about creating a valid will, what to include, or who should sign it. This section provides resources on making a will, including a wills overview, sample basic will, and tips on what not to include when making a will. Select from the list of titles below to get started. Also, you may want to download FindLaw's Guide to Writing a Will [PDF] for a printer-friendly, general reference for making a will.

Learn About Making a Will

Wills: An Overview
A broad look at wills and the laws governing them. Learn about the requirements of a will, the limitations involved, choosing a guardian, what happens if no will exists, and more.
Top Ten Reasons to Have a Will
A list of reasons why it’s necessary to have a will. This article explains ten benefits to having a will, including avoiding a lengthy probate process and minimizing estate taxes.
What Happens If You Die Without a Will?
When a person dies without a will, his or her property passes to heirs by “intestate succession.” Learn about what intestate succession entails, including how property generally passes under it.

What Is a 'Valid Will'?
A will is only enforceable if it’s deemed “valid.” While requirements can differ from state to state, this section offers an overview of the formalities that generally must be met in order to create a valid will.
Signing a Will
Signing the will is the last step in making it legally valid. Learn about the requirements of the signing process, including witness requirements, notifying the executor, residence requirements, and more.
Making a Will FAQs
A collection of commonly asked questions about making a will. Find answers to your questions about the purposes of creating a will, how to make a will valid, whether a will may be handwritten, and more.

Making a Will Articles